Aaliyah Braxton , Athens
“ As of these past two years , public health has been a hot topic . \ Aside from the annual viruses and bugs which go around , COVID-19 and its many variants have been running rampant . The rate of sickness in the Black community are far higher compared to others and this was true far before corona virus became a social concern . African Americans struggle with being able to look out for their health as well as the health of those around them . The socioeconomic climates throughout the decades has not done much to aid this and personal convictions about certain health topics fails to assuage the concerns of many individuals who do not know if their voices will be heard should they decide to seek out aid . This said , with the increase in resources available as well as the slowly by surely increase in support programs being implemented , the overall health and wellness of African Americans is sure to increase . After all , an improvement in health and well-being in beneficial to the overall prosperity of the Black community as a whole .”
John Hayes , Athens
“ African American communities still face systematic discrimination in the workforce , in schools , even tn the American Healthcare System . Health refers to a state where the physical body is free from disease , while wellness refers to an overall balance of a person ’ s physical , social , spiritual , emotional , intellectual , environmental , and occupational well-being . Recent data has shown that during the COVID-19 pandemic , the death rate of African Americans for the virus was 2.4 times higher than that of White Americans . Health and Wellness inequalities have called many doctors and physicians to advocate for Black Lives . It is not impossible for African Americans to abolish the structural discrimination of today ’ s society , but to do so everyone no matter the race must stand up and fight for these racial injustices We must fight for “ Black Health and Wellness ” in the workplace , in schools , and in our homes , so that one-day African Americans might have equality in every aspect of their lives .”
Na ’ kyiah Hicks , Malakoff
“ Health Care Services have not been a luxurious custom for most African Americans and there are many statistics to help support that . If a slave was injured in the field , their owners would not take them to the doctor or get them proper medical treatment . Medical assistance just did not exist for African American slaves during this time period . How can Black Awareness be promoted in today ’ s society ? All it takes is Social Media , media ads , videos , etc ., and even something as small as models of darker skin complexion to help promote the awareness needed for African Americans . So much can be accomplished if humans society just get together and work as one unit ; rather than multiple different racial units . All we can do is HOPE & PRAY that society does not revert back to its old ways and traditions .”
18 | Greater Athens Magazine | June 2022